Radon is a naturally occurring radio active gas, you can’t see it, taste it, or smell it. Radon is formed from the natural decay of uranium in soil, rock and water. It can be found in almost all soil types and is found all over the world.
Radon gas is a known carcinogen to humans and is believed to be the second leading cause of lung cancer today. Lung cancer remains the leading cause of death due to cancer in Canada. As radon levels increase in your home so does ones risk of getting lung cancer. If your home has high levels of radon and you smoke your risk of lung cancer is especially high.
Radon can be found everywhere. Every home will have some level of radon gas. Radon gas typically moves up through the ground into the air above and can enter a home through cracks and holes in the foundation and sometimes it may even enter through well water. Your home traps radon gas inside and can build up. Radon can be a problem in any home, new and old, well-sealed and drafty homes, homes with or without basements. Radon levels are unpredictable and vary from home to home, even homes next door to each other can have very different radon levels. Know your risks test for radon gas!